to ask if the innotab or leap-pad are any good?

[450fromPaddington]

Because my 2 and a half year old would like one for Christmas. And she does like games on the ipad. But I don't want to spend the money if its no good!

Also, which is better?

[foreverondiet]

Well we have a leapster explorer (precursor to the leappad) and we also have a ipad and nexus 7 tablet.

My DS1 (6) has totally lost interest in the leapster since we got the ipad. And DS2 (2.5) playing educational games on both ipad and nexus 7 - uninterested in leapster and I really have tried.

Bearing in mind that the console costs £70 and games costs £15 each don't understand why anyone would buy leap-pad or similar as freebie games from android store or apple store better -and can get an nexus 7 for £159 (pc world). And can get cheaper android tablet for £80.

Also leapster uses AA batteries whereas nexus 7 is rechargeable.

[MoomieAndFreddie]

I am hoping the Leap Pad 2 is good as we have bought DS aged 6 it for christmas. He wanted an ipad.....

[gazzalw]

Yes, funnily we were having this conversation about some type of tween tablet being advertised on TV the other day. I asked DCs why anyone would want one with I-Pads and other tablets around?

DS had a Leapster when he was little and he really played with it a lot but technology has overtaken children's 'computers' and can see the bottom falling out of this market very shortly.... Certainly DD (who is five years younger) played on it when very young but quickly graduated to playing on big bro's DS and now on my I-Pad!

[RVPisnomore]

We also have the leap pad and iPad. My son loves both and has recently got back into his leap pad, so much so that he carries it around with him. He's 4.5

[ditsydoll]

My DD has a leap pad and adores it, it goes everywhere with us. It has some great games, books and also gas a camera, video recorder and an art studio on it. Hours of fun and not as expensive to replace as an iPad if she breaks it. I personally would never give a child an iPad but mine is only coming up to 4 so wouldn't risk it lol.

[CharlieBlanche]

My two got leappads last Christmas. They've been a really solid investment and they have been consistently played with. Games are educational and fun. My daughter lives to draw on hers. They take pictures and make little books.

They are solid and have been dropped several times without a problem. They are touch screen, use a stylus and keys so they teach different skills. They have a nice sturdy case which also stores their games.

Mostly in answer to the question about why not an ipad instead? The ipad is much more expensive, and not a toy. They couldn't have an ipad each.

They ipad is mine.

[CharlieBlanche]

Btw they are 5 yo

[foreverondiet]

Yesgazzalw I agree about bottom falling out of market kids tablet market - said exactly same to DH recently. Indefinite free android games available. No need to keep on funding AA batteries. Leapster games so expensive, but its the batteries that I find the biggest pain and we have the mains adapter.

DS2 (age 2.5) prefers nexus 7 to ipad as size more manageable - ipads too big for toddlers. Although I do not let DC carry my nexus 7 around. So yes leappad better if you want for kids to carry around.

[moonstorm]

We can't afford an Ipad. Nuff said (ds is getting a Leappad).

[450fromPaddington]

Just typed out a big reply which I lost, grrrrrr.

A work colleague was told by toy shop employee that innotab was better than leap pad. So I wondered what others thought. . .

Thanks very much for the feedback :)

[TenMinutesLate]

I've just ordered my 2, Nubi 2, for Xmas. Looked into it and read a million reviews....so just to throw another one in the mix for you! Mine love the iPad but although they are careful and there are rules if they play I'm not buying a 6 yr old one of those! Having the Nubi will make them feel more grown up (although it's for a child, it looks v much like an iPad, with bumpers on). I have good things about the leaptab but knowing my 2, they'd prefer to play on the iPad. Made a rod for our own backs with that one!

[450fromPaddington]

Thanks tenminutes ; I must admit I havent even heard of a Nubi though. I'm fairly new to this parenting lark!

[TenMinutesLate]

I'd never heard of it either....big gulp....but it does sound really good. It does have Internet access which I'll just lock as mine don't need that just yet. What I did like is that they'll get a few years out of it as it isn't toylike. we'll see!

The tablet has a reward chart on there which they can tick off each day collecting 'nubi' coins, once they've completed chart they can look through the app library and match up the amount of coins and pick a new app/book/song. Parents have to key in their password for authorization though. I just can't believe what is out there for children...amazing! Happy shopping :-)
And just in case, I could only find it in the Uk at Smyths as it is relatively new x

[450fromPaddington]

Thanks tenminutes I think i'll look for the nubi, it sounds like it would appeal to my daughter too.